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1 Challenge the future
Shale gas research in the Netherlands:
Role of Fracture Network Complexity
Auke Barnhoorn Department of Geoscience and Engineering Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences Delft University of Technology
2 Challenge the future
Shalegas: a ‘hot topic’
3 Challenge the future
Posidonia shale in the Netherlands
Wong, 2007
Posidonia shale Toarcian age ~ 180 Ma
4 Challenge the future
Shalegas in the Netherlands: how much & where: very little known
5 Challenge the future
Shaliegas in the Netherlands: how much & where: very little known
• Rough estimates: 200 – 500 bcm gas.
• Uncertain how much we can produce
out of the shales
• Very little Posidonia core materiaal
available: 2-3 old wells
• More research in shale gas potential
vital
• Exploration wells will give some
necessary info on the potential
6 Challenge the future
My main research question
What is the effect of the rock fabric on
fracture initiation and propagation?
7 Challenge the future
Lithology determines fracture
pattern
Example from Kings Canyon, Australia
8 Challenge the future
Lithology determines fracture
pattern
massive sandstone
finely layered silt-sandstone
9 Challenge the future
Lithology determines fracture
pattern
massive sandstone finely layered silt-sandstone
10 Challenge the future
Lithology determines fracture
pattern
finely layered silt-sandstone
massive sandstone
spacing ~ 150 m
11 Challenge the future
Lithology determines fracture
pattern
finely layered silt-sandstone
massive sandstone
spacing ~ 150 m spacing ~ 10 m
12 Challenge the future also on a small scale: variations in fracture patterns present
13 Challenge the future
Shales
• Highly anisotropic
• Often strong compositional layering
Geomechanical parameters from acoustic measurement of shales
O
x2
x1
x3 0
Colin Sayers, Geophysical Prospecting , 2013
14 Challenge the future
Main research question
Can we quantify the fracture pattern in shales?
- including the role of fabric anisotropy
- predict fracturing behaviour for Dutch shale plays
Later: Can we also optimize the fracture pattern?
Jurassic limestone and shales (UK) Fracture network map
15 Challenge the future
Whitby, UK
16 Challenge the future
Cleveland Basin Stratigraphy
Cox et al., 1999 Hobbs et al., 2012
Predom. mudstone
Predom. Mudst., Limest.
Predom. Ironst., Limest.
Predom. Sandst., siltstone
17 Challenge the future
Posidonia shale Whitby (UK)
May 2013 Fieldtrip: UU, TNO & TUD
Auke Barnhoorn, 2013
18 Challenge the future
Posidonia shale Whitby (UK)
Auke Barnhoorn, 2013
19 Challenge the future
Posidonia shale Whitby (UK)
Auke Barnhoorn, 2013 Auke Barnhoorn, 2013
20 Challenge the future
Posidonia shale Whitby (UK)
Image of Dr. M. Houben (UU)
21 Challenge the future
Main research question
Can we quantify the fracture pattern in
shales?
including the role of fabric anisotropy
My research:
Experimental Fracturing and 3D rock
characterization
22 Challenge the future
Experimental Fracturing @ TU Delft
• Conventional deformation device • Controlled deformation conditions (stress, strain
rate, elevated temperatures, confining pressure and fluid pressures)
• Measurement of volume changes of sample and fluid (permeability, porosity)
De Paola et al., 2009
microstructure
statistics
s history
k history
e history
23 Challenge the future
Fracture network growth - stress driven fracturing
1. random fracture generation throughout sample 2. continuing fracture generation, fracture growth & linkup of
individual fractures 3. complete linkup of fractures & formation of shear fracture
1. 2. 3.
Barnhoorn et al., 2010 Geology 38, 779-782
24 Challenge the future
Difference in fracture network growth
dry random fracture generation
high fluid pressure gradient fracture growth at high Pf side
high Pf
Barnhoorn et al., 2010 Geology 38, 779-782
25 Challenge the future
Difference in fracture network growth statistics
Barnhoorn et al., 2010 Geology 38, 779-782
26 Challenge the future
conjugate fracture sets prominent in stress-driven fracturing
30º
Difference in fracture network growth statistics
27 Challenge the future
Collaboration
From basin scale to pore scale Stress Modelling Experiments Rock Characterization Fracture modelling Prediction of fracture patterns in shales at a multitude of scales
Universities NL
Shale Gas research
Topsector Energie
Fractures in unconventional rock types
Giovanni Bertotti (TUD) David Smeulders (TUE) Martyn Drury (UU) Jan-Diederik van Wees (UU) Auke Barnhoorn (TUD)
28 Challenge the future
From basin scale to pore scale
N
photo: N. Hardebol, study: L. Laerhoven (MSc) (TNO)
Fractured reservoir modelling (TUD)
Tectonic modelling (UU) Shale characterization (UU)
Rock Physics & Frac. Experiments (TUD)
Fracture propagation modelling (TUE)
29 Challenge the future
Other research at TU Delft
• Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Dr. Rick Donselaar en Dr. Gert-Jan Weltje (Dept. G&E)
Sweet-spot determination for unconventional gas opportunities in NL Which sedimentological characteristics point to best places for shale gas production?
Topsector Energie
30 Challenge the future
Thank you!
Johannes Vermeer Gezicht op Delft (1660-1661)
Contact: Email: [email protected] Internet: www.citg.tudelft.nl/abarnhoorn
